“I’ve spent my career building businesses, creating value, and driving sustainable growth. But AKISHA is more than business, it’s legacy. It’s about preserving what matters and building bridges that last.”
Rudie FILON – CEO of AKISHA KK
Former EU Diplomat | Expert in Asia-Pacific Trade & SME Internationalization
Rudie Filon is the CEO of AKISHA KK and a seasoned former EU diplomat with over 17 years of experience across the Asia-Pacific region. He is widely recognized for his leadership in launching and managing high-impact EU business support programs, particularly for European SMEs seeking growth in Asia.
A Proven Leader in EU-Asia SME Cooperation
Throughout his career, Rudie has consistently championed the internationalization of European Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). He has:
- Spearheaded flagship initiatives such as the Executive Training Programme to Japan (ETP Japan) and the EU-China Managers Exchange & Training Programme (EU-China METP).
- Conceived and launched the EU Gateway to Japan programme—a pioneering matchmaking platform that connected EU exporters with Japanese clients through targeted trade shows and customized mini-exhibitions.
- Inspired regional replication of the Gateway model, leading to similar programs in Singapore and South Korea.
These efforts have opened new markets for hundreds of European businesses, driving tangible trade and investment outcomes.
Diplomatic Achievements in Papua New Guinea
While serving as Deputy EU Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Rudie also played a pivotal role in establishing the first-ever EU–PNG Trade & Investment Conference in June 2019. Thanks to his leadership, the event evolved into a major international forum, attracting over 700 companies from 30 countries by 2022.
Multilingual & Multicultural
A native Dutch speaker, Rudie is also fluent in English and French, possesses working knowledge of German, and speaks basic Japanese—making him an effective communicator in diverse international settings.
Education
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dutch Civil Law from Leiden University in the Netherlands.